Cowen Partners Executive Search Insights

The CFO you want is not negotiating a number against a benchmark. They are underwriting the whole opportunity over several years, and deciding whether it justifies leaving something that already works. Write the offer accordingly.

Succession planning usually asks who might lead someday. A sharper question, raised at an NACD family business roundtable: could the organization still function if its leader disappeared for ninety days, starting tomorrow?

Most families who decide they need a Chief Investment Officer do not need a generic one. Five distinct archetypes sit behind that job title, and hiring the wrong one is an expensive way to find out.

Nasdaq recorded the strongest first half for U.S. listings in exchange history. Whether a company can hold that window open usually comes down to two roles, and most boards fill them too late.

The capital moved to Palm Beach first. The family offices built to manage it, and the executives who run them, are following more slowly, which is why the talent market there has become its own problem.

Manufacturers describe a decade of unchanged plant and operations leadership as stability. Our research says that reading deserves a second look, because in a meaningful share of cases long tenure at the top is masking risk.

Founder-to-successor transitions fail at two to three times the rate of standard corporate successions. A family office makes that worse, because the founder was never only an executive. These are the questions that decide it.

Boards receive a roster, a nine-box and a reassuring summary, then check the succession box. That consensus collapses the moment a chief executive leaves unexpectedly. What a real leadership risk diagnostic produces instead.

An emergency succession window is a measurable state, not a feeling. Seven diagnostic signals tell a board whether it is already inside one. Two or more, and the succession binder is not what it claims.

Combining the CEO and CIO roles looks like the efficient choice: lean headcount, one trusted decision-maker, an org chart you can explain at a family dinner. The compensation data tells a more complicated story.

Every board eventually asks for the candidate who spent years inside a company everyone respects. People treat that hire as luck or connections. It is neither. It is a match problem, and match problems are solvable.

Base salary is the entry fee, not the price. Most families underprice a CIO search for the same reason every time: nobody scoped what the role actually needs to do before deciding what it should pay.

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

By Ash Wendt, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Ash Wendt is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

In most public companies, the head of investor relations reports to the CFO, and that arrangement is becoming more common, not less. But the reporting line matters less than the strategic weight of the role, and that is where companies get this decision wrong. A well-structured reporting relationship with an underpowered IR function protects nothing.

By Ash Wendt, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Ash Wendt is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on tax executive recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands

Sponsors routinely underwrite financial and operational risk with rigor, yet they routinely accept vague, subjective narratives regarding leadership continuity. This creates a deep asymmetry in modern private equity transactions. Significant capital is spent auditing historical balance sheets and customer concentration while leaving execution risk completely unmeasured. In our executive search practice, Cowen Partners Executive Search

Companies that come to us for a head of investor relations are rarely just filling a seat. Something upstream broke. A valuation gap opened between the story and the stock. An activist scare put the board on edge. Credibility with the Street took a hit the company has not fully recovered from. An IPO is

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

Most CFOs didn’t build their tax department. They inherited it from a predecessor, a transaction, or a period of growth that added complexity faster than it added capability. The team may be competent. The outside advisors may be excellent. The filings go out on time. And still, something nags: is this function actually doing what

Featuring expertise from Maxwell Salazar, Salazar Leadership Advisory — Maxwell Salazar is a business psychologist who helps private equity firms make better leadership bets. He evaluates C-suite leaders, surfaces culture and execution risk, and gives investors the clarity to hire, align, and support the people who drive value creation. The CFO had an MBA from

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

By Ash Wendt, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Ash Wendt is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

Shawn Cole, President and Co-Founder of Cowen Partners Executive Search, was published in CEOWORLD magazine, making the case that executive succession is a material enterprise risk most boards fail to measure or manage. In his article “Your Board Can Score Every Risk But the One Most Likely to Derail You,” Shawn argues that while boards

By Ash Wendt, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Ash Wendt is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed? Recent data suggests that a new generation of leadership is now taking over the chair. In 2025, 84% of new S&P 1500 CEOs were first-timers. This trend is moving even faster as we enter 2026.  MyLogIQ has already reported 76 first-time CEOs

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

When a new CEO steps into a role, the scrutiny tends to follow them along with their track record, their leadership style, and even their stated vision for transformation. While it is a tidy narrative, it is also incomplete. Executives do not execute in isolation. They inherit a team that evolved organically over time, shaped

Shawn Cole, President and Co-Founder of Cowen Partners Executive Search, was published in People Managing People, tackling why traditional executive recruiting is failing in the AI sector—and what companies need to change to attract leadership that’s already stretched beyond capacity. In his article “The Executives You Want Most Are the Ones You Can’t Reach,” Shawn

Executive hiring still leans too heavily on instinct dressed up as judgment. With a polished narrative attached to a recognizable company name and a few confident answers, the decision has effectively been made before the process concludes. The reality catches up approximately six months later, which is an expensive place to receive that information. The

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

By Ash Wendt, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Ash Wendt is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

With the wrong search firm, executive search failure rates can hover near 40%. This statistic is a wake-up call for every board of directors. Most of these failures stem from the hiring organization rather than the recruiter. New leadership teams often view recruitment and as a passive task where they simply wait for results.  This

Executive recruiting ought to be quicker and more strategically aligned than it was before 2026. The market is volatile, and technology cycles are compressed. Even the leadership tenures are shorter by design. And yet, many boards are still starting executive searches with documents that belong to a different era. The irony is hard to miss.

Cowen Partners Executive Search President and Founding Partner Shawn Cole published his latest article in Credit Union Times, with a direct challenge to credit union boards: test your CEO’s capabilities now, or discover their weaknesses when it’s too expensive to fix. In his article “The Board’s CEO Test for the Next 24 Months,” Shawn argues

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

Contributing Expert Marcus Chan, Venli Consulting — Marcus Chan is the founder of Venli Consulting and a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of Six-Figure Sales Secrets. He advises CROs and VPs of Sales at B2B companies on diagnosing and fixing revenue leaks at the system level. When revenue growth stalls, the board’s

By Ash Wendt, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Ash Wendt is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

Your human resources (HR) team has most likely grown exponentially in influence over the past decade. They’re at the strategy table, they own talent processes, and they shape succession planning. The CHRO reports directly to the CEO and has board access. This evolution came from good intentions. As companies recognized that talent drives competitive advantage,

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

Private equity portfolio companies operate in highly demanding environments where growth expectations, operational transformation, regulatory scrutiny, and transaction activity often move at accelerated speeds. As a result, legal leadership has become increasingly important within PE-backed organizations. Modern General Counsels are no longer viewed solely as legal advisors responsible for contracts and compliance. Today’s in-house legal

Private equity CFO hires are often misunderstood. Boards see a candidate with Fortune 500 experience, a prestigious MBA, and a track record at a recognizable brand, and end up assuming they’ve found their finance leader. Six months later, the hire is drowning, the portfolio company is missing targets, and the sponsor is questioning everything. The

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

The executive search industry is at an inflection point. Why? The fundamental reshaping of the sector is being fueled by specialized C-suite positions, fractional leadership models, and emerging market expansion. As a result, businesses are rethinking how they secure top talent.  Boards facing succession crises are most directly impacted, as are PE firms deploying record

Companies Need Business-Minded General Counsels, Enter the Chief Legal Officer Today’s Chief Legal Officer is no longer confined to managing litigation or reviewing contracts. Modern CLOs operate at the intersection of business strategy, governance, compliance, enterprise risk, cybersecurity, regulatory oversight, and executive leadership. As organizations face increasing legal complexity tied to AI governance, data privacy,

Compensation for Chief Legal Officers (CLOs) and General Counsels (GCs) has evolved significantly over the last several years as legal leadership roles have expanded far beyond traditional compliance and risk management responsibilities. Today’s top legal executives are increasingly expected to serve as strategic advisors to boards and executive leadership teams while helping organizations navigate regulatory

For decades, boards and search committees have evaluated chief information officer candidates through a narrow lens. Boards have prioritized CIO candidates who excel at cost control, executing on deliverables, and providing systems stability.  While technology has long been a foundational element of an organization’s success, it now permeates every facet of operations and day-to-day work.

Cowen Partners President Shawn Cole Featured in Hunt Scanlon’s ExitUp on Founder Succession Challenges Founder transitions are among the most delicate leadership moments any company faces, and in private equity-backed businesses, the stakes are even higher. Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ ExitUp publication sat down with Cowen Partners President and Founding Partner Shawn Cole to explore how

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

Cowen Partners Executive Search President and Founding Partner Shawn Cole published his latest article in Credit Union Times, offering credit union boards a pointed framework for evaluating whether their CEO is equipped for what’s coming next in the credit cycle. The article cuts through the noise of recent performance metrics to ask a more revealing

Cowen Partners Executive Search President and Founding Partner Shawn Cole published his latest article in Forbes, breaking down the three-tier recruiting ecosystem that Fortune 100 companies have quietly institutionalized while mid-market companies continue making the same costly mistake. The article centers on a deceptively simple question: which search model actually belongs on which role? Staffing

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

Chief financial officers (CFOs) remain indispensable to shaping, executing, and safeguarding companies’ financial strategies and long-term health. In 2026, the modern CFO role continues to expand in scope and complexity, commanding compensation packages that reflect this elevated responsibility. This guide delivers critical, up-to-date insights on CFO compensation in 2026, covering: Developed by the expert CFO

By Ash Wendt, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Ash Wendt is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

The role of the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) has evolved significantly as organizations face increasing regulatory complexity, cybersecurity exposure, AI governance concerns, shareholder scrutiny, and enterprise risk management demands. Today’s CLO is no longer viewed solely as the company’s top legal advisor. Modern Chief Legal Officers are increasingly expected to serve as strategic business leaders

Most credit unions claim to have a succession plan, but how many have actually identified and developed internal candidates ready to step into the CEO role? In his latest article for theCredit Union Times, Cowen Partners President & Co-Founder Shawn Cole examines the critical gap between having a succession document and true leadership preparedness. Cole

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

Cowen Partners Executive Search President and Co-Founder Shawn Cole examines why executive searches are increasingly failing at the offer stage in his latest article, “What Changed in the Executive Talent Market While You Weren’t Looking.” Cole identifies six critical factors reshaping executive compensation in 2026, including the collapse of geographic pay discounts, the shift from

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt has drawn on his career experience in sales and executive recruiting to build a vibrant, dynamic firm. His results-driven approach is rooted in discipline and strength of purpose and the belief that Cowen Partners fulfills a need across industries.

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

By Sam Torres, Managing Director — Sam Torres specializes in placing senior executives across the sports industry, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs, CMOs, CTOs, and Vice Presidents. With a deep understanding of team operations, fan engagement, and sports business strategy, Sam offers critical perspectives that are routinely featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, and other

What Roles Make Up the C-Suite? Leadership roles in any organization can include positions from the board of directors and the chief executive officer (CEO) down. While companies may not need to fill every C-suite role from day one, leadership at the top will generally need to expand as organizations grow and their goals become more complex.

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt has drawn on his career experience in sales and executive recruiting to build a vibrant, dynamic firm. His results-driven approach is rooted in discipline and strength of purpose and the belief that Cowen Partners fulfills a need across industries.

Boards believe equity alignment secures long-term CEO commitment, but poorly designed compensation packages often create an unintended countdown timer to risk aversion and executive exit. In this revealing 9-minute podcast episode, Cowen Partners Executive Search President and co-founder Ash Wendt breaks down the “compensation cliff” and the critical moment when vesting schedules quietly reshape decision-making,

Your board is not talking about quarterly earnings anymore. They are talking about whether you can execute in an environment that is moving faster than you can plan for it. The old, comfortable rhythm of board management is breaking down. The sheer speed of AI, the complexity of global regulations, and the constant friction in

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

Cowen Partners Executive Search President and Co-Founder Shawn Cole was featured in Forbes Business Council this week with insights on one of the most critical challenges facing founder-led organizations: leadership transitions. In his article, “Why Founder-Led Leadership Transitions Stall—And How To Get Them Right,” Cole examines why founder-CEO transitions are significantly more prone to failure

There is a powerful connection between a C-suite executive’s physical fitness and their ability to excel in leadership. The most impactful executives lead with all of themselves, including their energy and mental clarity.  We’ll examine the science behind how a leader’s cardiovascular health and overall fitness affect cognitive function, decision-making, and vitality. Similarly, we’ll explore

By Sam Torres, Managing Director — Sam Torres specializes in placing senior executives across the sports industry, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs, CMOs, CTOs, and Vice Presidents. With a deep understanding of team operations, fan engagement, and sports business strategy, Sam offers critical perspectives that are routinely featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, and other

By Lega Executive Recruiter Shawn Cole — Top Legal Executive Recruiter Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on general counsel recruitment across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a trailblazing leader in the legal executive recruiting space, known for finding exceptional talent while uncovering key

Shawn Cole, President and Co-Founder of Cowen Partners Executive Search, was featured in CEOWORLD magazine with a sharp, practical framework for how CEOs should rethink risk management and compliance heading into 2026. In the article, Cole argues that most organizations are failing not because of a lack of effort, but because they continue to manage

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

The general counsel position is a major part of the executive leadership team. You need someone who displays great leadership skills, sound judgment, and a strong sense of ethics. Finding a candidate who meets all of these expectations as well as your business needs can be difficult. Before sitting down for an interview, you need

Portland’s Financial Leadership Gap & How Interim CFOs Fill It In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, organizations in Portland face more complexity than ever before: navigating capital constraints, accelerating growth, responding to market volatility, and aligning finance with long-term strategic priorities. Whether you’re scaling operations, preparing for a capital raise, stabilizing after disruption, or transitioning

The CHRO role has become one of the most dynamic and strategically important positions in the modern enterprise. Once tasked primarily with compliance and employee administration, today’s CHRO is at the center of digital transformation, culture building, ESG accountability, and workforce strategy.  CHROs already wear many different hats. Each year, it seems that new responsibilities

The Only Pacific Northwest Firm Nationally Recognized by Forbes Portland’s business landscape is defined by innovation and growth across technology, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer goods — sectors that demand high-impact leadership and strategic continuity. Finding senior executives who can lead organizations through transformation and scale requires more than traditional recruiting; it calls

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

In his latest op-ed for CEOWorld Magazine, Shawn Cole, President and Co-founder of Cowen Partners Executive Search, highlights the rising gap between traditional executives and elite CEOs who are redefining competitiveness by looking outside their industries for strategy, innovation, and growth. From anti-fragile operating models to AI-native organizational design, the piece outlines what high-performing leaders

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

When a sitting executive discovers they’re being replaced, the clock starts ticking on about nine different ways things can go wrong. The moment confidentiality breaks, control shifts from the boardroom to the departing executive. The solution isn’t better secrecy, it’s better incentives. Wrapping executives in retention packages and reviewing all agreements before launching a C-suite

By Walker Stadler, Director of Executive Search — Walker Stadler is a trusted advisor to high-growth companies and private equity firms, recruiting financial executives and operational leaders who drive scale. His work spans finance, manufacturing, distribution, technology, complex organizational design, succession planning, and talent strategy. Picture this: You’re a CFO, and your company just got

Cowen Partners Executive Search, a leading national executive search firm, is announcing the launch of Steward, a discreet advisory practice dedicated to serving family offices and private enterprises across generations. Aligning Leadership with Legacy Steward is designed to meet the unique needs of family offices, helping families place exceptional leaders who not only bring technical

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

In his latest op-ed for CEOWorld Magazine, Shawn Cole, President and Co-founder of Cowen Partners Executive Search, dissects the growing trend of co-CEOs and what it reveals about corporate succession, or the lack thereof. Using Oracle’s recent dual promotion as a case study, he argues that many boards mistake titles for trust and succession for

MicroVision had a problem. The NASDAQ-listed pioneer in MEMS-based laser beam scanning technology had world-class technology but couldn’t convert it into sustainable revenue growth. Their previous executive search firm had struck out completely. They needed someone who could walk into the autonomous vehicle and industrial automation markets and immediately start opening doors—specifically, doors at Tier-1 automotive

As business environments become more complex and nuanced, more attorneys with formative years in public or private legal practice see themselves advancing their careers in general counsel roles. The opportunity to do challenging work while leading a company’s legal department is typically a big draw. This, alongside the sizable executive benefits of the role, leads

Boards across corporate America continue to chase the comfort of the familiar by hiring proven executives whose past glories promise stability in uncertain times. Yet, as Shawn Cole of Cowen Partners Executive Search warns, this rearview-mirror approach often blinds boards to the realities of tomorrow’s business landscape. In an era defined by AI disruption, geopolitical

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

Here’s how executive leadership hires usually happen: A company needs a new CFO. They run a background check, verify the resume, and call three references. Everything looks good, so they make the offer. Six months later, they’re dealing with a toxic finance team, questionable accounting decisions, and whispers about behavior that should have raised red

Chief financial officers (CFOs) are vital to devising, steering, and overseeing companies’ financial strategy and stability, as well as their short- and long-term growth trajectories.  In 2025, CFOs continue to be key C-suite players who command competitive compensation packages that reflect their experience, skills, and background while being defined by many other factors. Uncovering essential

Many executives use “general counsel” and “chief legal officer” interchangeably, but the distinction matters for growth-minded companies. In his latest Forbes Council article, Shawn Cole explains how the CLO role extends beyond risk management to strategic advising, governance, and dealmaking, positioning businesses for long-term growth. Boards and CEOs who understand the difference can better align

At the close of the year, companies find themselves racing to align strategy, budgets, and leadership. Yet executive hiring often stalls as top candidates wait for year-end bonuses to vest.  Boards and CEOs find themselves facing a talent bottleneck that hinders their ability to execute in Q4. The result? New executives may not be in

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

Due to the high stakes of financial decisions in a turbulent economy, CFOs are increasingly seen as the natural successors to CEOs. While many leadership teams recognize the high value in their CFO’s margin discipline and strategic oversight, that doesn’t always mean they’re a good fit for the top job. In fact, many finance chiefs

By Sam Torres, Managing Director — Sam Torres specializes in placing senior executives across the sports industry, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs, CMOs, CTOs, and Vice Presidents. With a deep understanding of team operations, fan engagement, and sports business strategy, Sam offers critical perspectives that are routinely featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, and other

Amid an increasingly uncertain commercial landscape, many companies find their business threatened or on the brink of failure. Various factors may be at play here, from a rapidly evolving market to poor performance or a failing business model, but they all carry the same bottom line for companies—change or die.  Businesses in this position may

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

Executive leadership shapes a company’s strategy and long-term success, but what happens when a CEO scandal shakes the very foundation of the boardroom? In his latest CEOWorld article, Shawn Cole examines the fallout from Nestlé’s abrupt dismissal of CEO Laurent Freixe, the accelerated exit of Chairman Paul Bulcke, and what this leadership upheaval means for

With value creation under the microscope and private equity firms facing pressure to deliver, the portfolio CFO has emerged as the linchpin of enterprise performance. From deal viability and debt strategy to pricing, forecasting, and exit timing, the right finance leader can add billions — and the wrong one can quietly erode it. Evan Berta,

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

The evolution from Chief Human Resources Officer to Chief Administrative Officer represents more than organizational restructuring. It’s a fundamental reimagining of how human capital intersects with enterprise operations. Rather than simply asking “Is the CHRO becoming the new CAO?” we might ask, Are we witnessing the emergence of the Chief Human Systems Officer? Beyond Title Inflation:

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

All private equity executives know that the most important aspect of any PE-backed venture is value creation. While all of the members of the C-suite and board play a vital role in actively improving portfolio companies, there is one role that is particularly critical to achieving higher returns: the CFO. A portfolio company’s CFO takes

Undoubtedly, today’s companies are facing unprecedented leadership challenges. Peak 65 has taken the workforce by storm as a “silver tsunami” of C-suite executives reaches retirement age.  At the same time, CEO turnover has reached record highs, with 1,358 departures in the first seven months of 2025 alone — the highest number since researchers started tracking this metric

New research shows CEO turnover is accelerating at a pace that should concern every corporate board. According to data from global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, CEO departures in April 2025 surged 70% compared to the same month last year — marking one of the sharpest year-over-year increases on record. While the reasons for

Data from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) indicates that 20% of all employee turnover occurs in the first 45 days of employment. It is, therefore, critical that your onboarding process be designed to not only integrate new hires into your company culture but also improve employee engagement in order to retain star talent. 

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, corporate turnarounds, and the evolving demands of modern C-suites.

By Legal Executive Recruiter Shawn Cole — Top Legal Executive Recruiter Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on legal executive recruiting topics across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a trailblazing leader in the legal executive recruitment space, known for finding exceptional talent and uncovering

Executive roles are becoming less about vision and more about quickly delivered results. Here’s how you can build a team that rises to the challenge. If you’re a CEO right now, your position depends less on the vision you’ve outlined and more on the results you’ve produced in the last ninety days. In 2024, over 200 chief

When a company reaches the brink of disaster, the board of directors often looks for a new CEO or CFO to step in and turn things around. Declining profits, loss of major customers, and a freefall in share price are all indicators that someone needs to step in fast or risk the company heading into

An unprecedented wave of CEO departures in 2024 has highlighted a critical shift: Vision alone no longer suffices. Execution is now paramount. In 2024, U.S. companies witnessed an unprecedented wave of CEO departures, with 327 executives exiting by November — a level of turnover unseen since 2010. This wave of CEO departures reflects a bigger shift in

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

Shawn Cole, President of Cowen Partners Executive Search, shares insights in Chief Executive Magazine on the rising costs of leadership turnover, the financial impact of executive transitions, and why companies must plan ahead to mitigate operational disruptions. As leadership turnover rises, companies find themselves facing unexpected transition costs, such as operational disruptions, ramp-up times, and

Tax strategy is no longer just about compliance—it’s a core business function that can drive profitability, improve cash flow, and create a lasting competitive advantage. While many companies still rely on external accounting firms for tax filing and regulatory compliance, industry leaders have realized that internalizing tax functions enables them to maximize savings and proactively

The corporate landscape has witnessed a notable trend: Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) ascending to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) positions. This shift brings a unique financial acumen to the helm of companies, often resulting in enhanced profit margins. However, this focus on internal financial metrics can sometimes lead to conservative revenue growth strategies. This article delves

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

At Cowen Partners, our executive recruiters routinely field the question of what is the difference between contingent and retained executive search firms. Essentially, the distinction is that: Now, if you compare that to any other professional service, you know any reputable firm won’t work for free until the work is done. Would you want your

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) represent a unique approach to corporate ownership, providing employees with a stake in the company. The governance of an ESOP company relies heavily on its Board of Directors, who play a critical role in balancing fiduciary responsibilities, ensuring the ESOP’s success, and safeguarding employees’ interests. Unpacking what that takes day

By Jacob Gamble, Principal — Jacob Gamble leads executive searches in investment banking, family offices, and asset management. His analysis has been featured in Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg Wealth, Business Insider, and other leading publications, delivering valuable insights on legacy preservation, aggressive growth, family offices, and topics at the intersection of investment, institutional strategy, and

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

By Family Office Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading family office executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios

By Family Office Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading family office executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios

By Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios and operations with interpersonal

By Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacies of organizations. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios and operations with interpersonal skills

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, culture fit, leadership assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite recruitment, known for

November 25, 2024 – The private equity industry is experiencing a seismic shift in how firms deploy operating partners, according to exclusive Q3 2024 insights from Cowen Partners, a leading executive search firm specializing in private equity recruiting. As economic pressures reshape investment strategies, large-cap and mid-market firms are adopting starkly different approaches, underscoring the

November 25, 2024 – The CFO seat is hotter than ever. Nearly 9% of CFOs at publicly held companies transitioned out of their roles in the first half of 2024 alone. This growing turnover isn’t just a trend—it’s a signal of how much the role is changing. Today’s CFO is no longer just about numbers;

Once regarded as the financial gatekeeper, today’s chief financial officer has become the CEO’s indispensable strategic partner. No longer confined to balancing books and ensuring compliance, the modern CFO plays a pivotal role in shaping business strategy, driving innovation, and navigating economic complexities. This evolution is not just a natural progression—it’s a necessity. In a

Building a leadership pipeline starts with empowering team members through ownership and decision-making involvement, writes Shawn Cole. As a young professional or emerging leader, you’re expected to guide your team while sharpening your skills — and that’s not easy. Leadership calls for a commitment to learning, pushing your limits and seeking new opportunities for growth.

By Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios and operations with interpersonal

Becker’s has reported on multiple CFO-to-CEO transitions in hospitals and health systems in 2024, including Deb Mohesky, who was appointed CEO of CommonSpirit Health’s Longmont (Colo.) United Hospital, and Joe Wanner, who took the helm at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau, Alaska. The CFO-to-CEO trend is growing in popularity, partially because of the current economic environment, Fortune reported Oct. 16.

By Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios and operations with interpersonal

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, C-suite culture has become a focal point for companies seeking to maintain competitive advantages and foster innovative work environments.  As the expectations of leadership evolve, driven by global challenges, technological advances, and changing workforce dynamics, the culture within the C-suite itself has begun to transform.  This shift is not

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving demands of

In our extensive work with private equity firms throughout 2024, Cowen Partners has observed a clear divide in how large-cap and mid-market firms utilize operating partners. While large-cap firms are increasingly moving away from relying on operating partners, mid-market firms are doubling down on their value for driving operational improvements. This evolving dynamic highlights the

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, culture fit, leadership assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite recruitment, known for

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite recruitment, known for sourcing exceptional talent while unearthing all-new insights about

Tax compliance is one of the most critical yet often underestimated functions in any organization. A strong tax team not only ensures that the company complies with various local, national, and international tax laws, but also plays a crucial role in minimizing tax liabilities, maximizing deductions, and aligning tax strategies with business goals. By internalizing

In today’s global business environment, tax compliance and strategy are more critical than ever. Companies operating across multiple jurisdictions face a complex array of tax regulations and obligations, making tax strategy an essential component of corporate governance and financial planning. To navigate this landscape effectively, many organizations rely on specialized roles such as the Head

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, culture fit, leadership assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite recruitment, known for

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, culture fit, leadership assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite recruitment, known for

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, corporate turnarounds, and the evolving demands of modern C-suites.

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

CEO turnover is huge right now, hitting a record high last year. Just nine months into 2023, and more than 1,400 CEOs had already boxed up their belongings and headed for the door. However, these executive exits can’t be chalked up to retirements alone — though that was a factor. Newly minted CEOs are parting ways with

Executive compensation is often a hot topic around the boardroom table. Ideally, the board wants to ensure that its executives receive fair compensation for their efforts but also have a special incentive to reach specific goals for the company’s growth.  A poorly designed executive compensation package can result in management leaving for greener pastures or organizational

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape of today, the stakes for finding the right leadership have never been higher. Executive roles inherently carry significant risk, growth potential, and revenue impact. Engaging in a professional executive search to identify and place proven leadership talent is not just about filling a position—it’s about securing a high

Companies often face pivotal decisions about their leadership. One of the most challenging and high-stakes decisions is whether to hire a CEO from outside the industry. This strategy can bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and transformative leadership, but it also carries significant risks, including cultural misalignment, strategic discord, and the potential for short-lived tenures. This

Securing the right executive leadership isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about positioning your organization for long-term success. The leaders you choose today will define your company’s future, driving growth, innovation, and strategic advantage. With the right talent at the helm, your business can move beyond competition to truly dominate your industry. Engaging in a

Succession planning is often a sensitive subject for many high-profile CEOs, much like the hesitation around drafting a will. This reluctance, rooted in fears of losing control, concerns about legacy, and trust issues regarding potential successors, can have significant consequences for a brand’s longevity. Let’s delve into this concept by examining several high-profile family businesses

Performance metrics are a cornerstone of executive compensation, playing a crucial role in aligning the interests of executives with those of the shareholders and the long-term goals of the company. By tying compensation to specific performance outcomes, companies can incentivize executives to achieve strategic objectives and drive business success. This article explores the role of

Transparency in executive compensation is crucial for building trust with shareholders, ensuring fair and justifiable pay practices, and aligning executive incentives with company goals. In an era where stakeholders demand greater accountability and openness, transparent executive compensation practices are more important than ever. This article explores the importance of transparency in executive compensation and best

Retaining top executive talent is a critical challenge for organizations in today’s competitive business environment. Executive compensation plays a pivotal role in retention by providing financial incentives and rewards that encourage executives to stay with the company. This article explores how to leverage effective strategies for executive compensation, so it can serve as a tool

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the realm of human general intelligence, is set to revolutionize the operating models of the Big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG), MBB consulting firms (McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company), and the broader professional services industry. This transformation is occurring at

As of 2024, an estimated 6,300 companies operate with an ESOP, and that number only grows with each passing year. Those who have the privilege of being an ESOP board member are likely familiar with the complex nature of running these types of companies.  Governance of such a unique arrangement can undoubtedly be challenging, but

By Family Office Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading family office executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, executive recruiters have emerged as powerful and indispensable players, particularly in the realm of high-stakes corporate leadership searches. Their role extends beyond simple talent acquisition, positioning them as essential diplomats who navigate the intricate world of executive appointments. The Role & Evolution of Executive Recruiters Historically, the term “headhunter”

By Family Office Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading family office executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios and

By Family Office Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading family office executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios

By CFO Recruiter Shawn Cole — Top CFO Recruiter Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on CFO recruitment across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a trailblazing leader in the CFO recruiting space, known for finding exceptional talent while uncovering key insights about today’s C-suite

“Innovation” is a ubiquitous term in the business world. And that’s for a good reason: When you want to set your company apart from competitors, you need to prove that you can offer customers an unparalleled experience. With that in mind, successful innovation can lead to incredible growth, but knowing how to pull it off

As a business executive, you understand how having the right people in key roles can make or break your organization. This statement rings particularly true for the chief operating officer role. The COO is responsible for not only developing successful operations strategies but also driving growth in every part of the business. If you don’t

By Sam Torres, Managing Director — Sam Torres specializes in placing senior executives across the sports industry, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs, CMOs, CTOs, and Vice Presidents. With a deep understanding of team operations, fan engagement, and sports business strategy, Sam offers critical perspectives that are routinely featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, and other major publications.

Salary negotiations can be challenging, but they’re a vital aspect of ensuring that your employees receive fair and just compensation. By mastering the skills involved in these discussions and deliberations, HR professionals can enhance the employee experience, significantly improving their company’s retention rates.  With that in mind, here are some tips to help you prepare

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CMOs and marketing executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations, marketing innovation, and high-performing teams. Consumer behavior

When it’s time for a major leadership transition, your organization needs more than a standard recruiting firm. Instead, you need an executive search firm to aid your quest for the next C-level executive.  How does an executive search firm differ from a standard recruiting and staffing service? Learn more about the role that executive search

Executive compensation benchmarking is a critical process that involves comparing a company’s executive pay packages with those of similar organizations. This process ensures that compensation is competitive, fair, and aligned with industry standards. By following best practices in executive compensation benchmarking, companies can attract and retain top executive talent, promote fairness, and drive long-term success.

In the coming years, the American workforce is set to experience a major shift. As baby boomers retire, younger generations are poised to take the reins in virtually every industry.  This transition is smoother in some sectors than others. In the world of credit unions, it’s becoming a somewhat bumpy ride. This is an era

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, corporate turnarounds, and the evolving demands of

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, corporate turnarounds, and the evolving demands of modern C-suites.

When Rob Waldron became CEO of Curriculum Associates, a workbook company that then released only printed materials, the business appeared to be on the verge of collapse. It was running out of money and failing to keep up with the digitizing world of education. Waldron was able to completely turn the company around. Under his

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, corporate turnarounds, and the evolving demands of modern C-suites.

What makes a good CEO? The answer to that depends on the type of business you’re running. While there are significant areas of overlap, enterprise CEOs must lead and strategize in a way that’s much different from startup CEOs. If you’re beginning to search for the right CEO for your company, it can be helpful

Your C-suite executives are an integral part of your business’s day-to-day functioning — and maybe even its identity. Once you’ve found your C-suite, you might start to view these leaders as permanent fixtures in your company.  While this mindset is understandable, it puts your company at risk of stagnation. Here’s a look at why, when,

If you’re recruiting for a new role, you’re certainly dealing with active job seekers — people who have gone to some trouble to find job opportunities and apply for them. Depending on where you’ve advertised a position, you might be inundated with job seekers. However, no matter how many people you have lining up, you’re

By Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt — Top Marketing & Sales Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt has deep experience and unmatched expertise in sourcing extraordinary talent for C-suite roles centered on sales, marketing, operations, and finance. As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is also a pioneering thought leader frequently quoted in The Wall Street

Does your business have a chief information security officer (CISO)? This role might sound futuristic, but with cybersecurity threats growing by the day, it’s essential that you protect your company. Whether you’re a CEO, another executive, or even a CISO yourself, creating and maintaining a robust cybersecurity protocol is an instrumental part of your business’s

Artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in a new era for the tax industry, particularly for the Big 4 accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firms. With the current shortage of CPAs, AI presents a vital solution to reduce labor demands while maintaining, or even enhancing, efficiency and accuracy. This article explores

As we move into 2024, executive compensation continues to evolve, reflecting shifts in the business landscape, regulatory changes, and evolving expectations from shareholders and stakeholders. Understanding these trends is crucial for organizations aiming to attract and retain top executive talent. This article explores the top trends in executive compensation for 2024 and their implications for

Does your business have a chief information security officer (CISO)? This role might sound futuristic, but with cybersecurity threats growing by the day, protecting your company is essential. Whether you’re a CEO, another executive, or even a CISO yourself, creating and maintaining a robust cybersecurity protocol is an instrumental part of your business’s health. Here

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

Structuring an effective executive compensation plan is crucial for attracting, retaining, and motivating top executive talent. A well-designed compensation plan aligns the interests of executives with the strategic goals of the company, ensuring long-term success. This comprehensive guide details how to structure an effective executive compensation plan. 1. Define the Objectives. The first step in

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

As the business world continues to shift, so must the recruiting tactics of top companies and the executive search firms that assist them in finding top talent. In a recent survey, more than half of companies reported that they are making changes to their talent-sourcing strategy to close skills gaps and meet changing demands.  Learn

Nowadays, it’s impossible for CEOs to get away with doing as they please. The next generation of investors and shareholders greatly value authenticity and sustainability, an assertion that is backed by the fact that environmental, social, and governance fund assets reached $2.5 trillion at the end of 2022. ESG standards are gaining greater popularity with

Recruiting and retaining top talent for the private equity sector has been challenging, especially as competition continues to increase, according to a study from Cowen Partners. The search firm lays out five ways that executive search firms are helping private equity companies find success in their talent management endeavors. Read more HERE ABOUT HUNT SCANLON MEDIA Welcome

How do you find the right employee for your business? Look for these nine characteristics. Every business owes its success not just to its leaders but also to the employees who carry out the day-to-day operations. But how do you find the right employees for your business? You can develop a more effective hiring strategy by prioritizing

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, corporate turnarounds, visionary leadership, and the evolving demands of

In the past, the role of a CEO was to lead a company. That’s still true today, but in an interconnected world, a chief executive’s sphere of influence is wider than ever. As Harvard Business Review claims, “Today’s CEOs don’t just lead companies. They lead ecosystems.” The challenges facing today’s CEOs are arguably more varied

Each year, the Ernst & Young Global Private Equity Survey closely examines the world of private equity executives. This year, CFOs and COOs seem to have one particular thing on their minds: talent management. The focus on talent has been shaped by emerging industry trends and a consistent focus on growth, among other industry shifts.

You know how to recruit and hire great company leaders. Or do you? In a world changed by both COVID and technology, the archetype of a successful CEO is changing, too. Executives are much like brand ambassadors — if customers, shareholders, and even other employees like your executives, they’re more likely to support your company

A great CEO can take a struggling company and make it a success. And if your company is already successful, the right CEO can build on that success, creating revolutionary gains for your business. Obviously, when you’re looking for your next CEO, you should focus on hiring someone with a great performance record. But recent

What’s the biggest issue facing today’s private equity firms and portfolio companies? You might think it’s the impending recession or record-high inflation.  However, a survey conducted by management consultant company AlixPartners has found otherwise — a significant portion of surveyed private equity firms and portfolio companies named recruiting and retaining talent as one of their

It might sound ideal: a successful company led for many years by a dedicated, long-standing CEO. After all, people tend to get better at their jobs as they gain more experience, right? That reasoning may sound logical, but research indicates that long CEO tenure may actually be counterproductive. Here’s a closer look at why long

In a perfect scenario, a CEO and board of directors work together to guide a company in the right direction. But in practice, there’s often some confusion — on everyone’s part — about what each is responsible for. Here’s a look at how to set clear, effective boundaries between your board of directors and your

Successful private equity firms tend to see massive profits when buying and selling companies. And historically, they’ve been able to achieve those profits through buying and selling alone. That’s not the case today. In the current economic climate, the model of flipping companies isn’t enough to generate massive profits — or, at least, generate them

You’re getting ready to hire a new CEO, and you’re down to two candidates. Both are equally qualified, but one has charismatic magnetism like you’ve never seen before. The other does not. Which do you choose? If you’re like most hiring managers, you’d go for the charismatic one in a heartbeat. It’s easy to see

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

Hiring at the executive level is a critical process, and the outcome will affect your company for many years. The person you hire will play a role in determining the direction of your company, aligning the business, inspiring and mobilizing employees, and engaging with stakeholders. Finding the best executive for the job is not just

Do you envision the role of CEO in your future? It’s a worthwhile goal to have, but getting there is a challenging journey not everyone is built for. It requires honest introspection and hard work. The road to the top is paved with learning, humility, and results. You must display solid leadership traits like objectivity,

Hiring the right talent is important for any business. But it’s especially critical in the ultra-competitive world of private equity firms, where a company’s success or failure often hinges on the caliber of its employees. Whether you’re hiring for one open position or 20, you know that you need to attract top talent. But that

By CFO Recruiter Shawn Cole — Top CFO Recruiter Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on CFO recruitment across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a trailblazing leader in the CFO recruiting space, known for finding exceptional talent while uncovering key insights about today’s C-suite

Human capital makes up a significant portion of both global and individual wealth. A person’s ability to use their education, training, intelligence, skills, and even health to provide what employers value and make a living for themselves is a crucial part of how life works in many countries. However, the capacity to build human capital

By Shelby Varon, Director of Executive Search — Shelby Varon specializes in placing high-impact leaders across a range of industries, focusing on critical leadership roles in organizations navigating growth, transformation, and competitive market shifts. Her work and insights on executive hiring trends, leadership strategy, and talent acquisition have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and

In recent years, private equity firms’ desire for top talent has reached an all-time high. This high level of demand is in response to a recognition across the industry that having the right people in key executive roles is a critical factor in how private equity firms are able to maintain growth amid significant market

Artificial intelligence might sound like something out of a sci-fi film. But as we’ve seen in recent years, this rapidly developing technology has already begun to integrate itself into the fabric of our lives. Unsurprisingly, AI has shown great promise in the business world. The many everyday uncertainties of the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry

Company culture can attract, inspire, and retain loyal executives, teams, and customers while setting a business apart from competitors and making it impervious to shifts in markets, industries, and society in general. In fact, modern brands and businesses are leveraging company culture in exciting new ways to recruit stronger teams, grow in new spaces, ad

Demand generation can be a crucial component of any company’s marketing and sales strategy, driving revenue, growth, and more customers to businesses in any industry. From lead gen and lead nurturing to data analytics, digital marketing, customer experiences, and beyond, demand gen leaders in C-suites focus on the key activities that are essential to amplifying

According to a study from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 74% of employers are offering some type of remote work opportunity for their employees, and 16% of businesses are fully remote.  Suffice it to say, virtual work is here to stay, but assembling a virtual team can be challenging. With that being said,

Growing businesses often make one of two equal and opposite mistakes. The first is hiring more people than the business can currently sustain, while the second is hiring too few workers, thereby preventing the business from achieving and maintaining growth. As you work to avoid these errors, ensure that you adhere to and follow some

By Family Office Executive Recruiter Jacob Gamble — Jacob Gamble is a leading family office executive recruiter placing top-tier talent to align leadership with the long-term vision, values, and legacy of family offices. His expertise spans recruitment for CEOs, CFOs, Chief Investment Officers, and other key roles that bring technical expertise to manage complex portfolios

In the competitive landscape of corporate leadership, attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent is paramount. One of the key strategies employed by organizations to achieve this is through executive compensation analysis. This comprehensive evaluation of executive pay packages is designed to ensure that the compensation offered aligns with industry standards, company goals, and the expectations

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CROs and sales executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations, marketing innovation, and high-performing teams. When it

CPOs vs. CHROs vs. CAOs By Shelby Varon, Director of Executive Search — Shelby Varon specializes in placing high-impact leaders across a range of industries, focusing on critical leadership roles in organizations navigating growth, transformation, and competitive market shifts. Her work and insights on executive hiring trends, leadership strategy, and talent acquisition have been featured

Great leaders form the bedrock of any business. Without the appropriate leadership, successful teams cannot be built. Leaders play a pivotal role in motivating, inspiring, and driving their teams, making it imperative to find the ideal supervisors and executives for your company in order to achieve success. Great leaders often share the same characteristics. In

By Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt — Top Marketing & Sales Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt has deep experience and unmatched expertise in sourcing extraordinary talent for C-suite roles centered on sales, marketing, operations, and finance. As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is also a pioneering thought leader frequently quoted in The Wall Street

By Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt — Top Marketing & Sales Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt has deep experience and unmatched expertise in sourcing extraordinary talent for C-suite roles centered on sales, marketing, operations, and finance. As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is also a pioneering thought leader frequently quoted in The Wall Street

The operating model of many PE firms is changing. In the past, the objective was to pick up bargain-bin companies at wholesale prices, quickly restructure them for profitability, and then offload them for a return. However, growing competition has made it more challenging to find undervalued bargains ripe for improvement. PE companies are finding they

You’ve heard of quiet quitting and the Great Resignation, but there’s another rising concern that companies should be aware of. A recent Workforce Institute at UKG survey found that 40% of C-suite executives plan on quitting next year.  Even more interesting is that the ones who plan to leave aren’t baby boomers nearing retirement. They’re

By Sports Executive Recruiter Sam Torres — Top Executive Recruiter Sam Torres provides unmatched experience in leadership recruitment across all C-suite roles, including CEOs, COOs, CIOs, CFOs, CMOs, CTOs, VPs, and more. Backed by a 14-year career in collegiate and pro sports, Executive Recruiter Sam Torres is a trusted strategic partner in all areas of

A stellar sales team is critical to growing organizations trying to expand their footprint and build a customer base. However, finding talented and experienced sales agents can be quite challenging, especially for relatively unknown startups and mid-level companies in competitive environments. One solution is sourcing qualified sales reps from other businesses. Some organizations consider the

As a manager or executive, keeping your top talent in your organization and away from competitors probably ranks pretty high on your list. After all, no company wants to lose skilled employees they’ve worked hard to obtain. Essential workers who are integral to your business processes are hard to replace, and losing one can be

By Shawn Cole, Executive Recruiter & Cowen Partners Co-Founder — Shawn Cole is a trusted thought leader and premier authority on executive recruitment, visionary leadership, turnarounds, culture fit, C-suite assessment, executive compensation, and more across all industries. As President & Co-Founder of Cowen Partners, Shawn Cole is a pioneering leader and visionary thinker in C-Suite

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CROs, VP of Sales, and sales executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations, marketing innovation, and high-performing

In the journey of every organization, there comes a time when discussions arise about the possibility of hiring a second-in-command or a Chief Operations Officer (COO). However, the role of a COO is often shrouded in ambiguity and misconceptions, making the process of finding the right candidate a challenging task. While we have previously explored

By Shelby Varon, Director of Executive Search — Shelby Varon specializes in placing high-impact leaders across a range of industries, focusing on critical leadership roles in organizations navigating growth, transformation, and competitive market shifts. Her work and insights on executive hiring trends, leadership strategy, and talent acquisition have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

Finding the perfect fit for a private equity firm’s portfolio company Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a laborious process. Most potential hires have impressive resumes and backgrounds ‎that initially make them seem like a good fit. Nevertheless, this rarely works out‎, evidenced by the high turnover among private equity CEOs. According to AlixPartners’ Annual Private

Private equity firms are saying that talent is the most important factor in driving growth. But what does it take to fill senior roles for these companies? Laura Kinder of Daversa Partners, Tim Robb of Eric Salmon, Andrew Oliver of WilsonHCG, Eric Walczykowski of Bespoke Partners, Dana Feller of Hudson Gate Partners, Keith Giarman of

The CFO churn from 2022 has continued into the first half of 2023 as companies continue to grapple with inflation, high-interest rates, supply chain issues, and falling consumer demand. These economic pressures have led many companies to undergo organizational and leadership changes. The CFO role was no exception. Only eight of the 29 companies in

Whether your organization sources its future leaders from within or considers outside candidates, having suitable successors in place will reduce the risk of disruptions to business processes, stock valuations, and customer relationships, says a new report from Cowen Partners Executive Search. Read more HERE ABOUT HUNT SCANLON MEDIA Welcome to Hunt Scanlon Media — the

How Credit Union Leaders Drive Extraordinary Success Credit union executives are critical to the operations, deals, and long-term success of member-owned financial institutions. Responsible for financial stability, regulatory compliance, and member needs, credit union executives need to be strategic leaders who have their fingers on the pulse of an organization’s policies, missions, and objectives, both

The information needed to analyze public company CEOs is quite comprehensive and readily available. And these details are so accessible precisely because public companies must fulfill specific reporting requirements, including giving statements about their executive hiring practices and compensation plans.  With a simple Google search (or, if you’re feeling inclined, an EDGAR query), you can

Following record growth between 2020 and 2021, demand for talent across all industries increased at levels unseen in decades. Fueled by economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and access to inexpensive credit, private equity (PE) firms acquired small and mid-size organizations to add to their ever-growing portfolios. Toward the end of 2021, demand for executives

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

The Great Resignation made headlines in 2021, with scores of employees leaving their jobs amid the pandemic and societal upheaval. But while these issues have receded, another crisis looms in the distance: the upcoming executive labor shortage as baby boomers leave the workforce. Baby boomers — generally defined as people born between 1946 and 1964

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

With a growth mindset and a focus on growth marketing, there’s no limit to what you and your team can accomplish together. There are two primary types of mindsets; growth and fixed. Individuals with a fixed mindset have difficulty seeing past their current responsibilities or even six months into the future. When change occurs, they can become paralyzed,

Executives aren’t known for being a remarkably diverse bunch of people. Most are near retirement age and tend to be white and male. According to research from The Corporate Board, the average CEO is 58 years old, with some being quite a bit older, like Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway, who is currently 92 and

CEOs have faced numerous challenges in recent years: a catastrophic pandemic, shifts to remote work (and back again), supply chain disruptions, and a floundering economy. As a result, many have placed succession plans on the back burner, ensuring that leadership remained intact to navigate the company through choppy seas. However, as the world has begun

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses were so busy putting out fires that their executive succession plans were set aside. Ongoing lockdowns kept most employees working from home, and disruptions to supply chains left many executives with difficult decisions, like replacing long-standing vendors with more dependable ones. The COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, corporate turnarounds, and the evolving demands of modern C-suites.

Thankfully, outside assistance can lift a significant burden from your shoulders. A new leader could identify potential opportunities you’re passing up or areas where you could improve your business operations. Above all else, it allows you to step back from the day-to-day operations and focus on big-picture ideas that will grow your business. The early days of

In a fluctuating economy, more companies are looking to expand their market reach, and they’re turning to Chief Growth Officers (CGOs) for guidance. According to a recent analysis from LinkedIn, CGOs are ranked fifth among the fastest-growing marketing and sales roles in the U.K. Similar studies from LinkedIn indicate that hiring for CGOs increased by

Your company’s board of directors sets the tone for the entire organization. They’ll decide when to bring on new executives and establish specific objectives for various departments to work toward. Typically, their experience in prior executive leadership roles gives them the perspective they need to liaise directly with senior leadership while still maintaining their independence

Hiring the right executive to lead an organization isn’t easy. It can take months or years to find a suitable leader who possesses the skills you seek and is the right cultural fit for the company. That’s why many businesses turn to interim leaders who help fill in the gaps while looking for a long-term

M&As are attractive to companies seeking to scale or expand their organization quickly without needing to establish their own foothold in a new market.  Businesses that have already “done the work” and align well with an acquiring company’s strategy are often targets of M&A’s, especially those with attributes that reduce their monetary value, like operating

As the war for top executive talent heats up, search firms are feeling pressure to offer more comprehensive services beyond just pure retained search. In response, many firms are diversifying their offerings to include interim, development and coaching, assessment, and other tools in addition to their traditional search services. Talent experts Sandy Gross of Pinetum

In the current business environment, some companies are choosing to delay their IPO plans in hopes that the markets will shift over the next year or two and allow them to launch in fairer economic waters.  Startups that devoted much of the past few years to preparing their organization for an IPO are finding that

LinkedIn recently posted some interesting data on the C-suite roles that are growing most rapidly. The list wasn’t full of the usual suspects, like CEOs or CFOs. Instead, the C-suite position with the highest growth was chief diversity and inclusion officer, with an astounding 168.9% increase in hires. Here are the top 10 C-suite positions

ESOP companies are unique among their publicly or privately owned business counterparts. Instead of the company being led by outside shareholders or other investors, its employees retain most of the organization’s ownership, and they typically participate in significant decisions that can impact the company’s future. When an ESOP company seeks outside leadership to guide its

How Today’s Sports Leaders Achieve Champion-Level Success By Sam Torres, Managing Director — Sam Torres specializes in placing senior executives across the sports industry, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs, CMOs, CTOs, and Vice Presidents. With a deep understanding of team operations, fan engagement, and sports business strategy, Sam offers critical perspectives that are routinely featured

Growing companies often reach a crossroads when it comes to their finance functions: should they hire a controller to keep the books in order, or is it time to bring on a chief financial officer (CFO) to steer strategic growth? While both roles play critical parts in a healthy finance organization, they serve distinct purposes.

How Today’s Technology Leaders Unlock New Levels of Success Technology leaders — including chief technology officers (CTOs), chief information officers (CIOs), and chief information security officers (CISOs) — can develop and implement key strategies for modernizing an organization’s processes, systems, and operations. Beyond that, today’s CTOs, CIOs, and CISOs are tackling complex, high-stakes challenges, from

It’s no secret that business, as a whole, has taken a beating over the past few years. Concerns about a recession and ever-rising inflation rates have CFOs across the country worried. The Federal Reserve has fought hard against recession fears, increasing interest rates nine times since March of 2022, all in a bid to tamp

Baby boomers are known for their commitment to their employers. They often stay with their company for years or even decades, gradually climbing the corporate ladder until they take over senior leadership positions. However, baby boomers are nearing retirement age. Born between 1946 and 1964, the youngest of the generation will reach 67 by the

You’ve likely taken a personality test at some point in your life. Whether the test was part of a classroom assignment, taken with friends, or given during an employer’s hiring process, you probably learned a few things about yourself.  Personality tests aim to give individuals insight into their behaviors and actions. For instance, you might

The past three years have served as a test for even the sturdiest of organizations in ways we couldn’t have possibly dreamed of ten years ago. The widespread panic that began in 2020 resulting from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic tested the mettle of senior leaders, causing them to shut their office doors and

How Chief Executives Officers Fuel C-Suite Success As leaders, game changers, and innovators, CEOs set the course for organizations while also influencing industry trends and evolving frameworks. From making strategic directions to building strong C-suites and advancing company growth, CEOs are charged with several top-level responsibilities that can drive short- and long-term success while creating

How Healthcare Leaders Drive C-Suites to All New Levels of Success Today’s healthcare leaders are disrupting traditional frameworks to deliver exciting new breakthroughs and innovations that are reshaping the industry, patient care, and the future of medicine. Relentlessly intent on advancing caregiving and making critical decisions in an ever-changing environment, modern healthcare leaders generally need

Cowen Partners aims to expedite the recruitment process with the assistance of AI tools that reduce potential hiring bias and expertly source candidates for executive leadership roles. Cowen Partners, a global executive search firm, announced today the launch of its AI recruiting solution. While traditional firms are limited to their networks and databases, Cowen Partners

Cowen Partners recognizes the impact that family businesses have on our economy and their local communities. Family businesses are at the heart of the U.S. economy. They contribute over half of our nation’s GDP and employ over 60% of the country’s workforce. Family business owners are among the most committed to their employees since they often hire

How Chief Marketing Officers Power C-Suite Success By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CMOs and marketing executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations,

Macro and microeconomic shifts require that CEOs stay agile if they want to succeed in today’s uncertain environment. The months and years ahead will offer little relief, says a report from Cowen Partners Executive Search. CEOs will need to be mindful of digital disruptions, economic risks, and geopolitical difficulties, to name just a few of

Despite what you might think, most executives don’t follow the same path to leadership in their organizations. There is no specific school or educational program designed exclusively for C-level positions. Executives often have a breadth of experience that may not directly relate to directing a large-scale corporation or other similar enterprises. People interested in rising

Have you ever wondered how a company’s leadership team attained their positions? What journey they took to get where they are? The Executive Origin Series by Cowen Partners Executive Search, a global executive search firm, shares the personal journeys of purpose-driven executives with emerging leaders and peers who share similar aspirations. Through this series, Cowen

When the time comes to bring on a new CEO to breathe a sense of renewed life into an aging organization, you’ll need to determine your primary objectives and find someone capable of executing them. CEOs, like all people, have different strengths and weaknesses, so selecting one whose strengths align with your organizational goals is

Baby boomers, who hold the majority of tax leadership roles in the U.S., are entering their retirement years. According to the U.S. Census, by 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 or older — the traditional age people look to retire. Of course, some will leave the workforce early, though others may elect to stay

How Chief Human Resources Officers Power C-Suite Success By Shelby Varon, Director of Executive Search — Shelby Varon specializes in placing high-impact leaders across a range of industries, focusing on critical leadership roles in organizations navigating growth, transformation, and competitive market shifts. Her work and insights on executive hiring trends, leadership strategy, and talent acquisition

By Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt — Top Marketing & Sales Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt has deep experience and unmatched expertise in sourcing extraordinary talent for C-suite roles centered on sales, marketing, operations, and finance. As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is also a pioneering thought leader frequently quoted in The Wall Street

By Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt — Top Marketing & Sales Executive Recruiter Ash Wendt has deep experience and unmatched expertise in sourcing extraordinary talent for C-suite roles centered on sales, marketing, operations, and finance. As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt is also a pioneering thought leader frequently quoted in The Wall Street

No matter where your business operates throughout the United States, identifying the ideal executive leader to fill a senior leadership position isn’t as simple as advertising the available opening. Organizations must perform due diligence to ensure that their selected candidate possesses the necessary qualifications for the role and that they align with the company culture. 

How Private Equity Leaders Power C-Suite Success Private equity leaders are integral to the success of C-suites and organizations, making critical decisions, devising key investment strategies, and driving better performance and greater growth that aligns with a company’s long-term strategies and big-picture objectives. With the right private equity leaders in the right roles, businesses can

How Chief Operating Officers Power C-Suite Success Chief operating officers (COOs) are forward-thinking, future-oriented executives who devise strategic plansto leverage key business opportunities and set organizations up for success. Sometimes referred as “chief operations officers,” COOs generally manage the administrative, operational, and management procedures of a company, investing in efficiency and productivity while focusing on

Over the past three years, companies experienced major macroeconomic shocks that forced them to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. The COVID-19 pandemic was the first shake-up that forced organizations to shut down offices and allow employees to work from home.  Next, disruptions in the supply chain led to widespread shortages of critical components necessary

Private equity firms have long been sources of investment for startup companies and organizations seeking to scale their operations. However, another investor — the family office — is growing increasingly present in the business landscape.  Family offices typically accumulate large amounts of capital, especially if they’ve been running strong for several generations. They use that

The past three years have been rocky, to say the least. Macroeconomic shocks affected by a global pandemic, large-scale riots and protests, and Russia’s war in Ukraine, have changed expectations for the role of a CEO.  Other factors, such as the shift to remote work, the reopening of offices, and a mass wave of resignations

Family-run businesses make up a significant portion of the American economy. According to the most recent census, more than 8 million independently owned businesses with fewer than 500 employees operate in the United States.  Unlike major corporations that often have extensive succession plans, small businesses must make choices as their owners near retirement. They must

The last few years in the hiring market have been full of ups and downs and many changes to work as we know it. We’ve seen a trend toward more remote work during and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year was particularly tough for executive searches, as many companies engaged in executive

As a family business owner, you’ve likely given your heart and soul to building and running your organization.  Whether you started from scratch or inherited the company from a parent or other relative, you know the ins and outs of your operation. You might have plans to scale your business for future growth or pass

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

The Need  One of the east coast’s largest multi family real estate companies, Beacon Communities based in Boston, was in need of a highly experienced President of Property Management when a long term executive of the company announced their retirement. This position was highly transformative, overseeing seven regional SVPs, a growing portfolio of 140 diverse

By Shelby Varon, Director of Executive Search — Shelby Varon specializes in placing high-impact leaders across a range of industries, focusing on critical leadership roles in organizations navigating growth, transformation, and competitive market shifts. Her work and insights on executive hiring trends, leadership strategy, and talent acquisition have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

Marketing has seen some significant changes over the past few decades. As the internet has become a prime source of communication worldwide, fewer companies are investing in traditional marketing methods like commercials and print advertisements.  Instead, they funnel their money into digital marketing activities such as social media, informational content, and ad placement through search

As tech executives close the door on 2022 and welcome 2023, it’s critical to keep an eye on the changing business landscape.  Last year brought numerous developments that are still evolving and will likely continue to affect companies over the next 12 months. A few include the potential for a recession, the increasing desire for

The start of a new year typically gives rise to excitement and the potential for change, and 2023 is no different. After several years of massive challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain difficulties, the rise of DE&I initiatives, and economic uncertainty, organizations are wondering what to expect in 2023.  Unfortunately, there are adverse remnants

The year 2022 will be remembered for numerous events, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, a subsequent severe rise in inflation, and ever-increasing interest rates. CEOs took on many extra responsibilities, including buffering their companies from a potential recession and protecting their supply chains. The verdict is still out on the current state of

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CROs and sales executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations, marketing innovation, and high-performing teams. You’ve likely

CFOs are tasked with the overall financial health of an organization. Their work ensures that a company remains financially stable, even in tough economic times. In 2023, the CFO’s job will become even more complex as we face a possible recession. News of a potential slowdown in 2022 led to inflation rates unseen since the

When you think of a chief product officer, you likely picture them standing in front of a whiteboard, surrounded by analysts and their customer service team, seeking to arrive at the next big idea for their organization. While that image is likely accurate, more goes into creating a product than simply coming up with an

As the transition into 2023 begins, it’s essential to note the changing business landscape witnessed in 2022.  For those in the C-Suite, last year was rife with challenges. Executives dealt with supply chain issues that impacted large swathes of the economy, rising inflation that increased costs across the board, and a sudden war that arose

Cultural fit interview questions are all about finding candidates who will be a good fit for your company’s corporate culture. It’s important to remember that hiring for cultural fit is different from hiring for a skillset. You may want to consider this when designing interviews and deciding what questions to ask. A good hiring manager

Taxes make up one of the most complex areas of accounting, as, unlike other departments, tax professionals must stay abreast of both the regulatory and legal landscapes in combination with accounting standards. Company structures are changing, too, with the advent of globalization in the 1990s leading many organizations toward expanding their footprints abroad.  While globalization

Private equity has long been a fast way to earn quick, massive returns on investment. Private equity firms invest in undervalued or underperforming companies and seek to make significant changes to their operations, often leading to dramatic results.  With the right company and strategic decisions, private equity firms can realize their return within two to

In today’s competitive environment, the road to management — the C-suite — is often unclear. How do people get the jobs at the top? What skills and qualities do leaders have that set them apart from everyone else?  Identifying what it takes to get to the top of a company isn’t always straightforward. The necessary

Executives have busy schedules that often revolve around meetings and interviews. They interview potential new hires, discuss daily affairs with senior leadership, and meet with potential clients, vendors, or investors. Each meeting or interview has a purpose; failing to understand that purpose and plan for it results in a useless waste of time. To make

By Shelby Varon, Director of Executive Search — Shelby Varon specializes in placing high-impact leaders across a range of industries, focusing on critical leadership roles in organizations navigating growth, transformation, and competitive market shifts. Her work and insights on executive hiring trends, leadership strategy, and talent acquisition have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and

Executive compensation is often a hot topic around the boardroom table. Ideally, the board wants to ensure that its executives receive fair compensation for their efforts but also have a special incentive to reach specific goals for the company’s growth.  A poorly designed executive compensation package can result in management leaving for greener pastures or

There are several common questions you’ll hear if you’re on the lookout for a new job. Alongside such typical inquiries as “Tell me about yourself” and “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” comes this one: “Why do you want to work here?” While you might have heard lots of advice on answering

All the red flags indicating a looming recession are up. Inflation is increasing, interest rates are sky-high, and mass layoffs have begun.  Over the last few months, we’ve seen 11,000 people dismissed from Meta, 14% of the workforce cut at Stripe, and 550 employees dismissed from Opendoor Technologies. Twitter, Amazon, Zillow, and Disney announced their

The chief of staff role is common in the military and government. It’s usually a very prominent role, and the people who fill it act as advisors to top military brass and high-level government officials.  The role is not quite as common among civilian organizations, but that may be changing. What exactly is a chief

Private equity firms look for companies that have the potential to grow much bigger than their current size. For whatever reason, the existing company isn’t maximizing its full capabilities. Many times, the problems are financial.  With an additional monetary boost and qualified advice, these organizations can increase their market share and meet growth expectations. In

aspects when selecting individuals for board positions. While these things can be great predictors of success, there’s something else that should be taken into consideration: a potential director’s attitude about the job. Until a director has some experience under their belt, they may not understand what’s truly important when it comes to governance and leadership.

Finding workers in a highly competitive environment is challenging. Companies struggle to fill jobs in all roles, from entry-level to executives. Matching open positions with the right talent is an ever-present concern. Organizations want to ensure they spend their money on people who will stay in the role and contribute to the company’s success. More

The Need: Tax Leadership Paradigm, the world’s largest Web3, Crypto, and Blockchain venture capital firm needed to address the evolving crypto and blockchain tax climate for their funds and portfolio companies globally. Cowen Partners Executive Search was identified as a strategic partner due to our deep understanding of global tax, tax laws, lobbying, and venture

The Need BOMA is a U.S nonprofit organization and Kenyan NGO that provide the people and governments of Africa’s drylands with economic inclusion programs that increase resilience to multiple crises. BOMA retained Cowen Partners to find a Chief of Staff reporting into the CEO. BOMA is implementing a new strategic growth plan and needed a

Corporate culture may seem like a buzzword, but it’s not. Just like a country, city, or family, every organization has its own culture that defines it. Executives seeking to define their corporate culture must do so thoughtfully and carefully.  A company’s culture includes its encompassing goals, vision for the future, and shared beliefs. While leaders

Company executives are always seeking to improve business performance and operations. After all, continued success reaps financial benefits, pleasing customers and investors.  However, senior leadership knows that concentrating on a single performance measurement, or even on a particular division, isn’t enough to drive performance. Instead, executives must take a holistic approach to success. They can

Asking questions is a part of life. You likely ask questions when you order food or want to learn more about your children’s day at school.  Some professionals, like doctors and lawyers, are trained to ask questions: Although of a different nature, business managers must ask their staff and colleagues questions to keep daily operations

People often imagine venture capital investors as economically endowed heroes coming to the rescue of fledgling startups. The venture capitalist provides the money and mentors the founder, and the company grows exponentially in just a few short years. But in practice, venture capital works quite differently. Most venture capitalists are firms created and controlled by

Thousands of businesses use the services of a consultant each year. Often, they seek help for challenging organizational problems like declining revenues or poor employee satisfaction. While some consulting arrangements lead to successful outcomes and new opportunities, others waste time, money, and effort. To ensure that your organization gets the most out of its next

Entrepreneurs face many pressures as the owners and leaders of organizations. In times of economic downturn, stress increases as revenues decline and funding dries up. Other problems, like poor product reception or difficulties deciding on the strategic direction of an organization, can also cause issues. Instead of giving in to the worst aspects of their

Countless books, movies, articles, and podcasts seek to uncover the secrets to becoming a good leader. But they so often fail to provide practical guidance.  Some focus on describing characteristics of leaders in large companies, like Steve Jobs of Apple or Mark Zuckerberg of Meta. Biographical character studies can be interesting; however, anecdotes about a

The economy has been a regular topic of conversation throughout 2022. Despite ongoing job growth, inflation is at a 30-year high. The Fed is engaged in a battle to fight a recession and continuing inflation by increasing interest rates, but so far, their actions haven’t been enough to tamp down rising prices. Companies are well

As surging interest rates battle against 40-year high inflation, sales teams face the growing prospect of selling in a downturn.  Naturally, recessions hardly feel great for business, especially when you’re in sales. Warm prospects may rapidly cool during this period, and previously receptive leads may postpone buying decisions until after the slump or pull out

According to Gartner, organizations enjoy their best sales growth avenues from existing customers. They can unlock greater revenue and cross-sell/upsell opportunities by maximizing business with existing customers. The statistics are clear – companies are 6-7 times more likely to gain a new sale from an existing customer, compared to an only 5%-20% likelihood of closing

Chief operating officers (COOs) are forward-thinking corporate executives who can see the big picture from a great distance and develop strategic plans to take advantage of business opportunities and position the company for success. The chief operating officer (COO) is responsible for managing the organization’s administrative, operational, and management procedures and keeping all levels of

At the risk of stating the obvious, it might be essential to start with the fact that buyers want to be understood in today’s marketplace. Historically, this was not always so. At some point in time, buyers were content with basics like quality service and fair pricing. These days, modern buyers have higher expectations for

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CEO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, private equity CEOs, corporate turnarounds, and the evolving demands

By Shelby Varon, Director of Executive Search — Shelby Varon specializes in placing high-impact leaders across a range of industries, focusing on critical leadership roles in organizations navigating growth, transformation, and competitive market shifts. Her work and insights on executive hiring trends, leadership strategy, and talent acquisition have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and

Hiring a new employee is a significant expense. You want to make sure that your new worker has the hard and soft skills to meet your needs. If you make a mistake, your organization can lose money. The productivity of your other employees can decline, and you may face challenges in the working environment. A

After two-and-a-half years of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, most workers are unwilling to return to the office full time. According to a McKinsey survey, 87% of employees who have the option to work remotely at least part of the time take it.  The same survey notes that 21% of job hunters are

As a business owner or senior manager, you’re already familiar with using salary and benefits packages to attract and retain employees. However, you might not have heard of total rewards packages.  Essentially, total rewards encompass a combination of tangible and intangible benefits. Rather than concentrating on the standard compensation of salary, health care, and vacation

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CMOs and marketing executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations, marketing innovation, and high-performing teams. Stepping into

Organizational strategy isn’t always clear, especially regarding product management. Many employees contribute to the final development and sale of a company’s product, including engineering, technology, and marketing teams.  Organizations can define their product management structure, allowing teams to focus on specific aspects of product development. A simplified management structure encourages teams to work together without

Organizations want to hold on to their employees. Employees are the lifeblood of a company, and managers spend lots of time training them to produce results and meet business objectives.  When employees leave an organization, they take their knowledge and skills with them. Managers then have to find new people to fill their roles and

The millennial generation consists of people born between 1981 and 1996. It’s the largest age group in America today, consisting of approximately 72 million people, roughly 24% of the U.S. population.  Millennials are the first generation to grow up without the heavy drumbeats of war, poverty, and discrimination that prior forebears experienced. The Silent Generation,

Amid the Federal Reserve’s implacable rate hikes targeted at rising inflation, corporations and small businesses across the US are increasingly tightening belts at the prospect of a coming recession. While a recession, much like the seasons, is a natural phase in the lifecycle of any economy, it can spell difficult times for companies and consumers

By now, public health concerns have largely diminished, giving companies the “all-clear” to return to a regular workday. But many companies are finding that easier said than done.  According to at least one recent survey, nearly two out of three (64%) remote workers would prefer to quit rather than return to the office. Managers find

During the 2020 pandemic, American workers got a taste for remote work. But even when things returned to normal, the workplace didn’t.  Not only has remote work exploded in the American workforce, but researchers from the University of Chicago believe that by 2030, between 50 and 80 million of the world’s desk jobs will transition

American companies face a looming challenge when it comes to filling executive positions.  According to the career site Monster.com, 75 million baby boomers are expected to retire in the coming years. Given that many of these seasoned employees occupied C-level positions, hiring managers will need to consider their executive recruiting strategies for the years ahead. 

Cyberattacks are no longer the exclusive domain of the chief information security officer (CISO). In fact, cyberattacks have become the leading business risk. Survey data from PWC shows that 40% of respondents list “more frequent and/or broader cyberattacks” as a serious risk. Another 38% call these attacks a moderate risk.  Managing these threats will require

By Scott Bretschneider, Vice President of Client Delivery & Operations — Scott Bretschneider specializes in CTO, technology, and CISO leadership searches, bringing operational rigor and deep technical insight to high-growth companies and enterprise organizations. His analysis and contributions are regularly featured in Forbes, CIO.com, Cybersecurity Dive, TechCrunch, and other leading business and technology publications. Technology

By Scott Bretschneider, Vice President of Client Delivery & Operations — Scott Bretschneider specializes in CTO, technology, and CISO leadership searches, bringing operational rigor and deep technical insight to high-growth companies and enterprise organizations. His analysis and contributions are regularly featured in Forbes, CIO.com, Cybersecurity Dive, TechCrunch, and other leading business and technology publications. The

In a perfect world, every corporate board would have the expertise to address every challenge facing the organization. But this is hardly a perfect world, as demonstrated by the rise of cybercrime.  In America, the average cyberattack costs an organization $9.44 million. By some estimates, cyberattacks are expected to cost companies $10.5 trillion annually. That’s

There are a lot of factors to consider when finding the right CEO for your company. Generally speaking, the most critical factor is finding someone with the right skill set and experience, but you also need to ensure they’re a good fit for your company’s culture and vision.  As you decide who the right person

A successful CFO candidate synthesizes old-school accounting with new-age technologies to successfully lead the CU toward a better bottom line. Credit Union Times | By Shawn Cole, Cowen Partners Executive Search With increased market volatility and advancing digital infrastructures appearing across all industries, credit unions, traditionally regional and relatively conservative financial institutions, are emerging as

Executive search firms are companies that specialize in finding and placing senior-level executives, usually in upper management positions. Their roles include candidate sourcing, assessment, placement, and managing the entire recruitment process on behalf of their clients, which commonly include nonprofit organizations.  In addition to these main roles, executive search firms often provide additional services such

Credit union leaders must adapt to a new era in which members expect more from their credit unions. They must be prepared for this changing landscape and the challenges that come with it.  While navigating in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, credit union leaders also need to find the right ways to engage their members

A third of CFO positions (33%) placed this year were filled by first-time candidates, found the CFO Movement Study from Cowen Partners Executive Research. According to Cowen Partners’ President Shawn Cole, this inaugural group of CFOs shares a trending similarity in their work experience. About Cowen Partners CFO Executive Search Cowen Partners does more CFO searches in

Despite rising pressure for C-suite diversity, CFOs of color comprised just 20% of the new finance chiefs named in the first half of 2022, a study found. “We can’t just assume that some other company is going to invest in minority hiring and we’re going to poach their candidate…companies need to look within and they need to create a

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CMOs and marketing executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations, marketing innovation, and high-performing teams. Although the

As a startup founder, you could be making any of your first hires soon. If you’re doing well and can afford to hire an experienced executive, they could be a great asset to your company. But… What kind of executive should it be? A CEO, COO, or President? How do you define the role and

Private equity, venture capital, and the curating of executive talent have an inherent synergy between them. All of these groups know that human capital represents the key driver of long-term value creation and financial performance. As private equity grows to all-time highs by any metric one chooses to use – closed deals, new funds, number

Intentional hiring is the practice of developing a clear understanding of what you are looking for in a candidate before you start to hire. It allows you to actively seek out the best possible candidate, instead of passively accepting whoever applies for the position. Intentional hiring gives you control over your hiring process, rather than

What if you could hire a person who has been in your industry for many years or who has successfully scaled a business like yours to the highest level? How long would it take you to accomplish those same goals?  The answer is simple — you could get there much faster than if you hire

As a headhunter, I’m looking to find your most talented employees and get them into promotions and better-paying positions with my clients. I look for candidates with a solid work history and set of skills, and I seek to match them with the compensation and benefits that they deserve. If I don’t scare you, the

Hiring is one of the most difficult things you will ever do as a business owner, but it’s also one of the most important. A bad hire can cost your business money, time, and resources that you don’t have. However, if you want to be successful at hiring highly-qualified people to take your business further,

This report presents the findings of our study of the 264 CFO transitions in the first half of 2022 at the Fortune 500 and notable companies as of July 22, 2022. Individuals included in this study obtained a new CFO position within the 2022 year at a Fortune 500 company or a company of note.

Let’s face it: being on a board of directors comes with the opportunity to earn a very nice salary in exchange for lending expertise that can help take a corporation to the next level.  However, what some may not realize is that this role also brings the challenge of broadening your intellectual horizons in order

Hospital CEOs are the heartbeat of their organizations. They are responsible for leading and managing an entire team as well as an organization’s finances and operations. As a result, hospital CEOs must possess a diverse set of skills to be successful in their roles. Here are eight key attributes you should look for next time

Healthcare is a complex industry with many moving parts and stakeholders. The CFO plays an essential role in the success of any health system and can be the difference between success and failure.  Healthcare CFOs are in high demand as the industry continues to grow and change. To meet this demand, organizations are increasingly hiring

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CMOs and marketing executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations, marketing innovation, and high-performing teams. There’s no

Revenue is the key driver behind the success of a business. Without revenue, a company stagnates and will eventually run out of money to pay its bills and the salaries of its VP sales, CRO, and other sales employees.  Thus, once a company grows beyond a basic startup mentality and needs to scale its revenue,

The COO role is often one of an organization’s most misunderstood executive positions. While the responsibilities of a CEO or CFO don’t vary too much from one company to another, the COO’s oversight can differ tremendously.  Oftentimes, a COO’s responsibilities overlap those of other executives, leaving executives and employees confused about whom to ask for

The Wall Street Journal published a list of the five highest-paid CFO’s late last year. The list cited high power executives, including: These numbers are a far cry from the national average CFO salary. According to Payscale, the average CFO will receive a salary of $133,000.00.  Regardless of the total dollar amount, however, we must delineate salary

When you hire a CEO, you’re not just looking for someone who can run your company — you’re looking for someone who can make it more successful. The best CEOs are passionate about their work, have great management skills, and are good at building teams that work well together. There are many ways to find

Today’s CEOs need to be ready for anything. The global pandemic has brought about a new era of uncertainty for business leaders and their teams as they attempt to navigate an increasingly complex environment full of new risks, challenges, and opportunities. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the top six characteristics

The world is changing. Before the pandemic, the main hiring factor for new CEOs was their efficiency and ability to achieve objectives. In a fast-paced environment, the right person could be counted on to make the right decisions and deliver results. They had strong track records, large networks, and impressive degrees from prestigious schools. They

It takes an exceptional person to lead an institution that truly belongs to its members. What makes a great credit union CEO? The answer is not as simple as you might think – it’s not just about having the right skill set or experience. As with any business, a CEO has to have the necessary

As the captain of a company’s marketing efforts, the CMO role has many responsibilities, including overseeing a marketing team. Choosing and hiring a CMO involves selecting someone with the knowledge and skills to succeed. Setting an appropriate salary and benefits package is not easy for most companies. While traditional, less senior marketing roles often have

By Shelby Varon, Director of Executive Search — Shelby Varon specializes in placing high-impact leaders across a range of industries, focusing on critical leadership roles in organizations navigating growth, transformation, and competitive market shifts. Her work and insights on executive hiring trends, leadership strategy, and talent acquisition have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and

There’s a famous saying — “It’s lonely at the top.” CEOs often find this saying true. In fact, a study by Harvard Business Review found that over half of CEOs feel lonely in their role, and 61% indicated that feelings of loneliness hinder their performance. As the individual with the most significant level of responsibility

When a private equity company chooses to invest in a growing company with potential, they often bring a new CEO on board to support their initiatives for the company. This move is intended to increase revenues and profits.  A new private equity CEO is often helpful for guiding the company in a new direction designed

CEO earnings vary widely and depend upon many different factors, including their location, their experience, and the type of industry they work for. SaaS CEOs are no different. A CEO salary survey in the SaaS industry can turn up a wide variety of base salary earnings — from $1 to over $900,000 per year.  On

Founding a startup is incredibly exciting. It’s almost like a new baby: lots of promise, years of hard work, and knowing that you’ll succeed in bringing something into the world that will make a positive impact. However, like parenting, startups are often clouded by cofounders and initial employees who bicker over who does what and

While the importance of cybersecurity has long been known, companies have been slower to recognize the need for a cybersecurity strategist within their ranks. Many leaders assume that a solid cybersecurity plan is only required for businesses that house significant amounts of information on their customers, such as banks, the government, and tech powerhouses. However,

Cryptocurrency, Web3, NFTs, Blockchain and the metaverse have dominated financial news over the past few years. We saw the value of a single Bitcoin rise to a staggering $67K in November 2021 before crashing to $30K in June 2022. NFTs have earned endorsement from numerous commercial brands and celebrities, including Paris Hilton.  Those familiar with

By Shawn Cole, President & Founder — Shawn Cole is a nationally recognized authority on CFO recruiting. His insights regularly appear in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CFO Dive, Entrepreneur, and other leading publications, delivering nuanced and critical analysis on executive recruitment, succession planning, enterprise transformation, and the evolving

Like other companies, credit unions face new challenges brought on by technology.  Technological development has soared over the past decade, and COVID-19 showed that many businesses could still maintain their operations, even when most of their employees were working from home.  Throughout the numerous lockdowns and social distancing restrictions, consumers became more accustomed to being

Owners of successful businesses must face the fact that eventually, they will retire. An appropriate succession plan can ease the disruption often caused when the company owner leaves. If the owner chooses to hand over the leadership reins to a family member, they must ensure that the succession is seamless.  Mistakes Made in Succession Planning

There are no shared rules to navigate corporate governance decisions. If board members are to come up with a viable definition for good governance, it’s important to do so around a few shared values. While this may seem unrealistic given the chaotic nature of many of today’s corporate boards, it isn’t entirely impossible. By doing

Vice president (VP) of sales is a very focused executive position that typically requires a high level of education, experience, and leadership. In addition, VPs are phenomenal communicators who run point on big-picture tasks to set expectations early and often throughout the organization. It adds up to a lot of work for typically commensurate pay.

Account executives form the foundation of an entity’s sales team. They act as a liaison between clients and the company, more akin to a senior salesperson. They frequently have a wide range of skills, including marketing, communication, conflict resolution, empathy, and organizational skills. The account executives’ primary focus is on generating leads, completing sales, and

Having the “right personality” might have a bigger impact on your value in the workplace than you think. According to a study published by Psychological Science, an Association for Psychological Science journal, job candidates whose personalities “aligned” with a company’s expectations and ideologies earned higher salaries than those who the organization felt did not align. 

Cultural fit interview questions are all about finding candidates who will be a good fit for your company’s corporate culture. It’s important to remember that hiring for cultural fit is different from hiring for a skillset. You may want to consider this when designing interviews and deciding what questions to ask. A good hiring manager

When you’re hiring new employees, it’s important to ensure that they will fit into your company culture. A bad fit can cause problems in the workplace, so you should strive to hire only people who are a good match for your company. The first step in creating a strong culture is to understand what your

You can have decades of financial management experience and get nowhere near a CFO office if you don’t bring the ability to modify your company’s growth strategy in the face of new competitors. There’s a CFO crisis today. Two-thirds of CEOs believe the CFO role will continue increasing in significance but a third think their CFO isn’t

By Linda Devonish – Mills, CAE, CPA, CMA, MBA, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant Characteristics of an Inclusive Leader                     When conversations and emphasis on diversity practices began over 20 years ago, the acronym D & I, referring to diversity and inclusion, was popular. In recent years, it is not uncommon to see the acronym, I

Having a well-developed go-to-market (GTM) strategy is important in today’s business landscape. A GTM strategy is used to determine the best ways to engage with customers to inspire them to purchase your company’s products or services.  A thoroughly defined GTM strategy includes features related to pricing, sales and channels, product branding, and the introduction of

By Ash Wendt, President & Founder — Ash Wendt brings deep expertise to recruiting transformative C-suite leaders, placing CMOs and marketing executives. He regularly contributes to Forbes, Chief Executive, Marketing Dive, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and other premier publications, providing thought-provoking commentary on leadership alignment, revenue operations, marketing innovation, and high-performing teams. The chief